healing * cancer

This morning, I was pleased to attend the inaugural kick-off breakfast, “Making Strides against Breast Cancer,” sponsored by the Orange County chapter of the American Cancer Society. I created a team for my university so we can participate in the 5k walk-a-thon to support finding a cure! I enjoyed listening to survivors whose personal testimonies encompassed suffering yet embraced life. The beauty of women was highlighted with dignity, emphasizing their inner strength & survivorship.

*

I also very much enjoyed the pink-frosted cupcakes at my table! Cupcakes for breakfast are a special treat…. plus spinach quiche, croissants, pineapples, cantaloupe, and watermelon. I drank tarragon mint tea.

*

Last night, I counted on both hands – more than both hands – the number of people I know who’ve survived cancer or passed away from cancer. There are many, and early detection in all cases was the key to survival, as well as a positive outlook, faith, & an active prayer life.

*

On the various journeys each person experienced, I think (1) anger, (2) stress, and (3) bitterness were deterrents to healing…. especially if a person felt isolated or couldn’t forgive someone. It’s healthy to embrace the good sparks in life – even if they’re sparse for a season – and find ways to work through painful & uncertain realities. It’s also good to be blessed by loving friends; it’s hard to endure this sort of journey alone.

*

Women over the age of 40: Get your annual mammograms! At the presentation, the Director of Radiology from Hoag Hospital showed pictures of a new kind of technology called “digital tomosynthesis,” which yields higher resolution than regular mammograms. Digital tomosynthesis is especially useful for precise image-slicing of dense tissues, and it’s been used for research, but hasn’t been available for patient care. Even better news for patients: none of that icky “squooshing” with regular mammos (which, by the way, are low-dose x-rays). Even teeny-tiny calcified specks are visible on the digital imaging. Needless to say, I could’ve listened to this presentation for hours.

*

I remember taking a radiology course as a pre-med student. The professor showed us pictures of advanced breast cancer and radical mastectomies: Basically, if the lump is already palpable, it’s in the later stages and could be metastatic. (I am a poet, not a doctor, and not a doctor-poet like William Carlos Williams, so please take all this with a big grain of salt!) When I was a student, I had no idea then that this sort of technology would evolve to benefit cancer patients today. How exciting, and how wonderful for patients who can afford excellent health care.

*
“Cancer doesn’t wear a watch,” said Lori Smith, Chair of the Board-elect of the California Division, the American Cancer Society.